Question

A scientist wants to use a radioactive isotope of phosphorus to radiolabel

certain molecules in a culture of cells he is growing. If the scientist uses
32P, which of the following groups of macromolecules will be labeled in the
culture of cells? *

Answer 1

The scientist can label DNA molecules in the culture of cells using radioactive phosphorus (32P), as phosphorus is a component of DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scientist will be able to label DNA molecules in the culture of cells by using the radioactive isotope of phosphorus, 32P. Phosphorus is a component of DNA, so when the radioactive phosphorus is incorporated into the DNA molecules, it will tag and label them. Other macromolecules like proteins will not be labeled with 32P.